New macOS 10.13.6 Update Brings AirPlay 2 to the Mac Ecosystem

Apple on Monday released macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, just over a month after the release of the previous version of the High Sierra operating system.

What’s New in macOS 10.13.6?

Like the other software update released today, iOS 11.4.1, macOS 10.13.6 is a relatively small and incremental update. For the most part, it focuses on bug fixes, security patches and under-the-hood performance improvements.

But 10.13.6 also brings AirPlay 2 to the Mac operating system for the first time. The update adds support for multi-room audio for iTunes, according to Apple’s release notes.

Users can now control their home audio system and AirPlay 2-equipped speakers with iTunes on Mac. They can also play music simultaneously and in-sync on multiple AirPlay 2 speakers in a home.

It’s worth noting that AirPlay 2 support seems limited to iTunes audio at this point. But, of course, Apple could add systemwide AirPlay 2 support to the macOS ecosystem in a future update.

Currently, Apple’s own HomePod is the only speaker that can leverage AirPlay 2 functionality. But there’s a range of third-party hardware that will support AirPlay 2 coming in the relatively near future, including offerings from Sonos, Marantz, Denon, Libratone, and Bang & Olufsen.

In addition, macOS 10.13.6 includes some bug fixes. It addresses an issue with Photos that prevented the app from recognizing certain media formats. It also patches a bug with moving emails in the native Mail application.

As usual, the new macOS High Sierra update likely packs a slew of security patches and vulnerability fixes. But as of the writing of this article, Apple’s security page hasn’t been updated with the relevant details.

It’s likely that macOS 10.13.6 may be one of the last updates to the High Sierra operating system before macOS Mojave, which debuted in June, launches in the fall.

How to Install macOS 10.13.6

macOS 10.13.6 is available from the Mac App Store or the Software Update tab for compatible Macs that are already running a version of macOS High Sierra.